I make no bones about it. I tell them I am an evangelical atheist. However, I should note that I live in British Columbia, Canada, and the level of religious tolerance here is likely far higher than where you're from.

I don't feel compelled to tell most people anything unless it comes up. I'm open to discussing belief systems with anyone who seems to have a curious and open mind. Otherwise if they ask I tell them I'm a practicing equestrian. That often gets me a Blank Stare, but it's true that I have a horse, and most horses I know have better ethics and are better company overly religious people tend to be.

The word 'atheist' is often misunderstood. Some religious people think it is synonymous with 'evil'. So I usually tell people I'm 'not religious'. I may tell them that I do appreciate ethics, and I like parts of the Bible, like the Sermon on the Mount, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. If the conversation continues to the point where "God" is mentioned, I tell them I don't believe in gods.

I just allow a new relationship/friendship to develop first. For the most part, religion isn't something that's discussed immediately upon meeting someone. When or if it does come up I am always honest, but also make it known that I respect their freedom of choice. If that ends the relationship...it was never a real friendship anyway. I have lost many "friends" this past year between my religious and political views

I don't usually have the subject brought up. So I don't really get into any conversations in which I tell them that I am an agnostic.

I live in Georgia so it's not something I lead with but I am not shy about speaking my mind. On top of that my mother is a methodist church choir director and dad was a minister. I was in my 30's before I told them. I have learned to stand my ground and stay civil as I use logic and reason to explain my position which totally pisses most of them off. I cannot go to our yearly high school reunion because I get practically attaked by bible thumpers and with alcohol involved they tend to get aggressive.

I don't know. I'm Australian and I live in Australia. As far as I can tell, it's a lot harder to be a non-believer in the US than here. Religion is not mainstream here, so in most social settings I am comfortable to fly my agnostic freak flag.

It seems a lot of people are inclined to not mention their being atheist to people until they get to know them well. I feel this is too cautious and it puts everyone else's belief on a pedastol. I think that's detrimental to oneself and the careful rise of atheism in the world. I, by no means, immediately volunteer that information, but I like to be somewhat open and 21st century about it. If you can't share something that important with a potential friend or significant other, then it's not a relationship you need in your life. Lol You can only be you. You know?

When people tell me their religion, I just say I am not that or I am not religious. I am not looking for a discussion, an argument.

How do you tell religious people that you're an atheist?

Hi, I'm Robert. I'm an atheist.

I say I am secular and agnostic.

Simple is best but I think if they are that relisious you need to say it whilst walking or jumping on to a moving bus because the lecture will surely follow you all teh days and ways of your life.

It isn't a bomb to drop on a first date... Or is it? Why not be up front? "Here is who I am. Take it or leave it. Love it or shove it."

That way, nobody feels like they wasted their time, and nobody gets their heart broken.

I don't worry about it. If our acquaintance is short, they don't need to know. If we become friends it will come out naturally in due time.

I rarely get into a situation where this is an issue. I think that in the UK being an atheist is considered by most to be a valid choice. I don't know so many people who are devoutly religious I suppose. 30 years ago I went out with a girl who was "born again" and whose family were churchgoers. That didn't go well. Since then I've avoided similar situations. But if anyone asks I would just say I'm an atheist or that I don't believe in any god, and if they want to discuss it further my attitude is pretty much, "live with it".

I rarely offer up my beliefs first. If I am specifically asked, I tell people I'm not religious.

It works: most people I say that to just say 'oh right ' But then the U.K is pretty godless, if they start to try to convert me or say they'll pray for me then I just get off. Lifes too short.

I do not cast pearls before swine.

I don't. If they are family/friends then they already know. If they aren't, it isn't their business.

I just say “I’m an Atheist” how they deal with it is not my problem. I am from a religious family, and my father was a Bishop, yet I didn’t have issues letting them know. I am sure it bothers them that my kids aren’t baptized though.

I don't. I tell them I'm agnostic. But it's usually if they are coming on too thick. And if they try to protolyze me... well, that just depends on what kind of mood I’m in. Sometimes I’ll go for it, other times I’m a bit more subdued.

I say, "I'm an atheist" and no one cares because I am English

I usually tell them that if I walked into their church, I would burst into flames. Of course, they are more likely to believe such rubbish than I am. Since I have not burst into flames in a church, I have deduced that there is no God or or I am not worthy of his attention. 99% of the time my beliefs or lack thereof don't constitute a problem with anyone, because they see that I life a good, moral life and treat people well.

You don't have to. It'll come out eventually and it'll be relatively easy.

You don't have to. It'll come out eventually and it'll be relatively easy.